I took baya on the hand of Shaikh Khaled (رحمة الله عليه) in 1973 when I was 21 years old. My father died in June 1972. He was Murid and Khalifa of the Shaikh. He had advised me during his life time to learn Islam in the company of Shaikh Khaled (رحمة الله عليه). After I took baya, I realized that understanding capacity of the people gets multiplied when they sit in Shaikh's company. He was one of the greatest Shuyookh of Tazkia Nafs. People's attitudes used to get changed dramatically when they listened to his simple observations.

I spent 15 years in his company till his death in 1988. Shaikh gave me Khilafa in 1985. We used to visit the Shaikh every Sunday and often during the working days as well in addition to attending Sama Mahafils on 11th and 27th of every lunar calendar month. Often we had the opportunity to be in his company alone or with one or two of his close Murideen/Khulafa present at that time. Those were the cherished times in which we learned a lot about Tasawwuf and matters related to spiritual administration. Whenever we went to see him, Shaikh used to offer food for us in front of him and used to serve us by his hand. When we ate that food, we used to feel some kind of noor has passed on in our bodies.

Shaikh belonged to the family of great Shuyookh of Islam of all time. People close to the Shaikh testify that he was at the helm of the spiritual hierarchy during his life time.

We used to call his wife 'Amma Jaan' (our beloved mother) who was also very old. After the death of the Shaikh in 1988, we had the opportunity to serve Amma Jaan for 10 years till her death in 1998. I, along with my elder brother, who was working as Police Officer, used to visit Amma Jaan twice every week and took care of her health and medicines, etc. We were treated like her sons. When my mother died in 1990, Amma Jaan told us, "my sons I am not your biological mother, but I promise, I will play the role of your mother till I die". Those were extreme emotional movements and we cried a lot in front of her. And indeed, she kept her promise.

After the death of my mother, Amma Jaan used to visit my home and stay with us for sometime. Those were great times as my children had the opportunity to serve her. She used to play the role of their grand mother. Amma Jaan died in 1998.

I have written many encomiums in praise of my Shuyookh in Urdu and English. The following are a few couplets in this regard which are part of my English Kalam (poetry).

I was taught, by eminent Shaikhs

Who were knowledge reservoir lakes

Held high ranks, in the ‘Other world’

They were solemn, towering stakes

In their aegis, I was remold

And arrived at, a blessed threshold

Given access, to ‘spiritual world’

Allah’s rewards are, sure manifold

O’my Shuyookh I am so thankful

For all your help I am grateful

A brief account of the life of Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة الله عليه) is provided in this book.

SHAIKH'S ANCESTORS

Shaikh Khaled's (رحمة الله عليه) ancestors from his father's side lived in Yemen for hundreds of years. It is reported that they belonged to Banu Hashim tribe of Prophet's (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) time.

Their names are - (i) Hadhrat Awadh Abillail (father), (ii) son of Said Abillail, (iii) son of Saalam Abillail, (iv) son of Mubarak Abillail, (v) son of Ahmed Abillail, (vi) son of Ali Abillail, (vii) son of Al-Ka'abi Abillail, (viii) son of Aslami Abillail, (ix) son of Al-Huwazini Abillail, (x) son of Al-Qaisi Abillail, (xi) son of Adnan Abillail (رحمة الله عليهم اجمعين).

Shaikh Khaled's (رحمة الله عليه) father, Hadhrat Awadh bin Sayeed Abillail (رحمة لله علىـہ) had migrated to Hyderabad, Deccan from Yamen in late 1860s. Since he was very honest and able military commander, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of the Elite Guard (Jammiat-e-Mahboob) at Ma'isrum, Hyderabad.

Hadhrat Awadh bin Abillail ( رحمة لله علىـہ ) gradually reached to the position of ADC (Aide-de-Camp / Secretary) to H.H. Nizam Asif Jah VI, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan of Hyderabad, Deccan. Historians have mentioned his honesty and trustworthiness and have applauded his selfless services to the State. He was given the title of 'Jaan Nisaar Yaar Jung' by Nizam Asif Jah VI.

BLESSED BIRTH

Hadhrat Khaled Wajudi (رحمة لله علىـہ) was born on June 26, 1879, corresponding to 6 Rajab, 1296 AH in the erstwhile State of Hyderabad, Deccan.

EDUCATION

Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة الله عليه) was taught at home by his father Hadhrat Awadh bin Abillail (رحمة الله عليه). Later he was admitted in a Madrasa where he received religious as well as worldly education. Since his father was ADC of the ruler of Hyderabad, he had the opportunity to learn from well known teachers in Arabic, Persian, Quran, Hadith, Islamic literature, Logic, philosophy, etc.

Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) received Khilafah and Ijaza from his Shaikh Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ) in 1899 when he was 20 years old. He spent 47 years in the company of his Shaikh Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ).

Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) also spent many years in the company of Hadhrat Khawaja Shamsuddin Quadri (رحمة لله علىـہ), who was his Grand Shaikh [the Shaikh of Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ).

Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة الله عليه) had thousands of Murideen who were spread all over India and abroad. Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ) died on 9th December 1943, ( 11 Zul Hijja, 1362 AH). After his death, his Murideen unanimously selected Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) as his successor (Ja-e-Nasheen).Hazrat Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) continued in this capacity for 45 years till his death in 1988.

Hadhrat Wajoodi's (رحمة الله عليه) Dargah is located in Barkas area in Hyderabad, Telengana State, India.

A massive Dome stands over the Dargah of Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة الله عليه). His Urs is celebrated every year during 11-13 Zul Hijja.

Hadhrat Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) was one of the greatest teacher of his era. He used to explain Islamic issues in very simple terms. He taught his Murideen at his residence during his Government service and after retirement. Education sessions were held more or less daily. There used to be a large gathering on Sundays in the open area outside his Barkas residence where scores of people used to gather to listen to their revered Shaikh.

Teaching sessions, specially on Sundays, used to be long. There were no restrictions on people's attendance. Recital of his poetry on Tawheed was also done during these sessions. Everyone was welcomed. Hundreds of people were treated like special guests of the Shaikh and provided with luncheon and sometimes dinner. Shaikh was always available to listen to people and their problems.

Visitors were never denied audience of the Shaikh. Everyone was served food or tea any time of the Day. It looked the kitchen at Shaikh's residence was working 24/7. Shaikh never expected anything from the people. He never asked for any donations for any work undertaken by him. No individual was required to tell about his problem to the Shaikh. Shaikh used to suggest solutions as general talk and people used to get replies to their questions without even mentioning it to the Shaikh.

Shaikh's style of education was interactive and as per the requirements of individual person.A large number of people used to visit him and everyone used to feel that the Shaikh's special attention is towards him. He used to give bay'a in Quadri Silsila and Khalifah in both Chishti and Quadri lineages.

Shaikh Khaled (رحمة لله علىـہ) had thousands of Murideen. His khulafa were in hundreds. All of whom are spread in India and many countries of the world.

Hadhrat Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui (رحمتہ اللہ علیہ)

Hadhrat Khaled Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ) and Hadhrat Mohammad Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui (رحمة الله عليه)were born in late 1870s. They lived in Hyderabad for most of their lives and were great friends during their life times. They both were at the helm of spiritual hierarchy at different times during their lives.

SPIRITUAL EMINENCE

Shaikh Khaled Wajoodi (رحمة الله عليه) was indeed the living phenomenon of a Complete Human Being (انسانِ کامل) and a person of obligatory proximity (قُربِ فرائض) with Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). The people who were close to him testify that he was at the helm of the spiritual hierarchy during his life time.

Hadhrat Khaled Wajoodi (رحمة الله عليه) died on January 31, 1988, (11 Jumada II, 1408 AH) at the age of 109 years. Thousands of his Murideen and well wishers attended his funeral. He was buried near the dome of his Shaikh.

Hadhrat Khaled Wajoodi's(رحمة لله علىـہ)Dargah is located nearby the Mazar of Hadhrat Wajoodi (رحمة لله علىـہ) at Barkas area in Hyderabad.

Shaikh Khaled (رحمة الله عليه) was one of the greatest poet of his time. He has written over 600 Hamd, Na'at and Eulogies which were complied by me in September, 2000 titled "Khiyaalistaan e Khaled" (خِيالِستانِ خالد).